Jake began working for Suffolk One in 2010, as Head of Faculty for Arts and Sport. Suffolk One Sixth Form joined EEG in 2015 and was renamed One Sixth Form. He has continued to progress in the organisation and is now Group Sixth Form Principal for One Sixth Form College. He looks back what it was like to be involved in founding a new college and the joy of seeing former students become colleagues.
What made you join Eastern Education Group?
I joined Suffolk One in April 2010 as Head of Faculty for Arts & Sports (my background is in Art & Design, so this was seen with some amusement by my Essex colleagues at the time!) – I was a member of the team setting up the new college for its opening in September 2010. What attracted me was it was a once in a career opportunity to build a college from scratch using my 10 years’ experience in the sector. Following a number of promotions, I am currently Group Sixth Form Principal for One Sixth Form College.
What was it like being involved in setting up a new College in 2010?
For four months, we operated out of Jackson House on Landseer Road – the headquarters of the main contractor – while the building was still under construction. During that time, we held team-building events for TUPE staff, brought plans together, recruited staff and students, and procured a wealth of learning resources.
These were the days of the SWISS Partnership, when we worked closely with Chantry, Stoke, Westbourne, Claydon, Thurleston, Hadleigh, Holbrook, East Bergholt, Thomas Wolsey, Beacon Hill and Belstead schools (some of those names have since changed). All agreed to close their sixth forms and collaborate on a joint venture that promised better choice, better participation, and better outcomes for students in Southwest Ipswich and South Suffolk – although it quickly became clear that our reach would extend far beyond these schools alone.
Before opening, we believed we had planned everything to the nth degree. However, in May 2010, the government changed, and so did its curriculum vision. Around half of our proposed Level 3 curriculum was scrapped, forcing us to rethink quickly. Innovation became key in all aspects. In our first year, we introduced a college-wide enrichment programme on Wednesday afternoons, and on Friday afternoons there was no teaching – instead, we interviewed prospective students!
Our first cohort were true trailblazers: just 400 students in a cavernous building with incredible facilities. Everything was a “first” – unlimited colour printing (for a short while), digital technology, fast internet access, funky furnishings, and store cupboards bursting with learning resources. Students spent hours surfing the web and watching YouTube, and staff joked that we hoped there would be jobs in the future requiring expertise in video streaming and social media… little did we know! Moving from Essex to Suffolk was a big adjustment for me; for six months, students looked at me curiously as if to say, “Why are you in such a rush?” Soon enough, I embraced the more measured approach to life – and it was good.
The biggest challenge in those early years was recruitment. We were continually surprised by how sceptical young people were. They weren’t easily persuaded to join a brand-new organisation without a track record, no matter how shiny and new. It was easier where the most charismatic teachers had joined us from the SWISS schools, but it wasn’t really until we received our first Outstanding Ofsted grade in 2015 that we won the argument. From that point onwards, the college population grew quickly.
I worked closely with both preceding Principals: first Alan Whittaker (2009–2019), who was integral to winning the LSC competition for SCC that led to the formation of the project partnership and the landmark building; and later Jenny Milsom (Deputy Principal 2009–2019, Principal 2019–2020), a highly regarded leader in the sector, having previously served as Vice Principal at Otley College.
The creation of One Sixth Form in 2015 followed a period of contraction and restructuring at Suffolk One, leading to a leaner and more efficient organisation. Over the ensuing decade, it has aligned and integrated itself with its sponsor, West Suffolk College.
Do you have any special memories from your time with us?
Art tours to Paris, Holland, Belgium, London and Norwich.
Celebrations of Achievement, welcoming former students back as member of staff!
The first trip I organised for my BTEC Level 3 Art students at One. When we returned, a student commented on how much they’d enjoyed the day, and that it was only the second time they’d travelled on a train. The awe and wonder expressed by students from Ipswich when taken outside Suffolk was quite something to behold.
Is there a message you would like to share as we celebrate our 100 years of history?
The breadth of opportunities created for learners across our region by Eastern Education Group is truly unmatched.
In my everyday life, I meet countless individuals who have studied with us – and without exception, they speak with real pride and positivity about their experiences.
Just tuning into our Friday Staff Comms calls is enough to feel the energy, ambition, and unwavering commitment of our support teams, teachers, and leaders working together to transform young lives.
Lastly, do you have any advice for future students and staff at EEG?
In a world where equal access is too often out of reach, education stands as our greatest hope – for unlocking potential, uplifting lives, and building a future of both financial security and deep personal fulfilment.
